For most of the old generation that enjoyed its young age in the 20th century, music was never considered an actual career path that one could follow but done by those with passion. Fast forward to the 21st century; musicians have become some of the world’s top-earners, and their music is being used as a tool to influence culture and human behavior.
During the 80s, building a successful career in music was only for those who could score a lucrative record deal or had the right contacts. The only option left for so many talented acts that had neither of the opportunities above was to perform as many gigs as possible for years and always remain hopeful that you will be discovered someday. Today, all that is history.
By: porcupiny
With the introduction of the Internet in almost every part of the world, everyone has an opportunity to start a music career and be successful. Not ignoring the fact that one must have a certain level of commitment to what they are doing, it is possible to achieve a breakthrough without the support of a label. Don’t forget, this takes a lot of work and commitment to bring about a certain level of awareness in your new music career.
With all that pointed out, this blog post will provide you with five tips you should put into consideration if you ever dream of building a successful music career for yourself:
- Always remember that your fans come first.
Without the fans, there can never be a music career. Even after recording good music in the studio, the fans listen to it, purchase it from online streaming platforms, and come to your performances. Therefore, with everything that you do, your fans should be part of your career.
This doesn’t mean that your fans should make your decisions or control the sound you want to make, but it means that considering their perspectives and how they perceive your music is an essential factor you should note.
- Make good use of the Internet.
Whether you are a star already or just starting, the Internet is the most helpful tool you will need in your career. Music today has evolved in a way that every successful artist must have a website, a profile on almost every music streaming platform, and a blog for those that might find a website so expensive.
Whether you write your posts or ask a blogger to write about you, your online presence in social networks should be a priority. Using the Internet as the primary tool to spread the word about your content will be a step in the right direction.
- Set up a website.
This may not be the first step you do as soon as you release your first or second song, but a website fulfills several functions in a musician’s career. It can be used as an advertising space to introduce yourself and make your content known to so many people. This can also be a point of contact, a meeting point, or even a medium for communication between you and your fans.
When to set up a website usually depends on the amount of money you are willing to invest in your career. Musicians looking at building a successful career will consider launching their website when they get their first pay cheque.
- Advertise your brand.
Advertising in the music business functions just like in any other business. Whoever advertises their content gets more attraction. That’s just the principle. Whether you are just starting up your career in music, an advertisement should be one thing that you should consider. With this method, you are selling your brand to everyone who doesn’t know about you yet, including those who do but might not know what you are up to.
- Always say “Thank You” and occasionally give back to your fans.
So many artists forget to thank their fans. The relationship between you and your fans can be compared to a child and a mother. With everything you do, never forget to appreciate your fans because they make you what you are. There won’t be a success without the fans.
In addition, give back to them occasionally. Inviting some of your fans to your soundcheck, or even offering a few front seats during your concert, may sound petty but acts such as these can gain you more popularity. Your success in music might lean on these acts of endowment.
Follow and keep these five tips as you embark on your musical journey, and all other things will come to you.
